Is it normal to have a bad taste in my mouth days after a Rhinoplasty?

Thank you for your question. It is quite common to have abnormal taste after rhinoplasty surgery.  This can be due to intranasal packing, splints, and/or modification of the nasal turbinates. It can also be due to antibiotic treatment.  The side effects of many antibiotic treatments are a metallic taste in the mouth.  This can be eliminated with anti fungal, oral, Nystatin solution. You must have your surgeon evaluate a thorough ENT examination to make sure this is the appropriate treatment for you.  Eating more apples and oranges can improve the taste and any bad breath.  Also, drinking green tea which has polyphenol antioxidants can be extremely helpful to recover taste and improve bad breath.  Whatever the cause, most cases of metallic taste will improve over the next 6 weeks.  I hope this information is helpful. Best wishes in your recovery!

Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACS

Board Certified ENT

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Member of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS